In 2024, Bio-K+^® celebrated its 30th anniversary. While it may just be a number, it represents three decades of an incredible journey with our consumers, and a rich history of scientific achievement, from product development to clinical research. The origins of Bio-K+ trace back many years to when French microbiologist Dr. François-Marie Luquet isolated a trio of human bacterial strains with strong antimicrobial properties. The true adventure began later when Dr. Luquet met Quebec entrepreneur Claude Chevalier. Together, they envisioned merging nutrition and pharmacological sciences to create a dairy-based probiotic and nutraceutical beverage with the goal of improving people’s health. In 1994, Bio-K Plus International Inc. was founded at the Parc Scientifique et de Biotechnologies in Laval, Canada. This milestone began the development of Bio-K+ products, with a focus on optimizing bacterial strain growth for high potency and creating a formula that ensured stability, safety, and a pleasant taste and texture. This Bio-K+ Original Drinkable was introduced in 1996. Over the years, as the company recognized the need to cater to diverse tastes, it began developing new flavors and capsule formats with the support of its process science team.

In 2003, Bio-K+ marked a significant milestone by entering the field of clinical research. During this period, Quebec faced a severe outbreak of Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile, which affected numerous hospitals and thousands of patients across the province. Believing in its potential to help, Bio-K+ participated in a clinical trial to test its efficacy in preventing C. difficile infections, a deadly hospital-acquired infection. A decade and three clinical trials later, Bio-K+ became the first probiotic formula globally to be recognized by Health Canada for its role in reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and C. difficile infections (CDI) in hospitalized patients.

For over 15 years, Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital, led by microbiologists, infectious disease experts, and chief of infection prevention Dr. Maziade, have collaborated with Bio-K+, helping the hospital achieve the lowest rates of CDI in Quebec. Today, Bio-K+ probiotics are used in over 200 hospitals across North America to prevent AAD and CDI. The company has also established a preclinical laboratory to explore the mechanisms of action of its probiotic strains and discover new functionalities. With numerous clinical trials, observational studies, and collaborations with leading universities and research organizations across North America, Bio-K+ has built a strong reputation for scientific investment. As a result, in 2018, Health Canada recognized Bio-K+ for improving the quality of life for people with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

In 2020, the Kerry Group acquired Bio-K+, continuing its mission to support consumer wellness with science-backed ingredients. This merger led to the creation of Bio-K+ Extra drinkables and capsules with Wellmune® and Sensoril®, two scientifically studied ingredients known for their effects on immune function and cognitive function, respectively. Kerry also endorsed the first exploratory studies to evaluate the impact of Bio-K+ probiotics on quality of life, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorder. 

“Little will become big,” perfectly describes the Bio-K+ brand. Thirty years later, with over 40 scientific publications, four patent families, and a safety profile supported by more than 115,000 patient cases without serious adverse events, the brand remains grounded in its scientific foundation. And this is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.